Last spring I took the above photo of a huge spider web that was awash in raindrops from a passing storm. When I noticed it on my small deck my words were, "oh, a jeweled necklace." The web's raindrops were like large diamonds glittering as the sun returned from parts of a darkened sky.
Today I ran across this raindrop photo in my archives while looking for a post photo. I have had almost no time to photograph or write while continuing to pack and organize, getting ready for my cross-country move to Utah.
As I studied the photo I realized the spider's web provided him/her with all the necessities of living. A place to rest, eat, bask in the sun, shower and just hang out. For the spider, beauty is in his home -life and surroundings. He carries no baggage only his wits that provide security.
Inspiration! -- lets see what else I can live without! I sat down and started to rethink what I can do without on my trip across country. Do I really need all those items I was packing?
So now I am busy unpacking some things. I am changing my U-Haul to a smaller size and I feel great about it. Less and less feels good.
No I won't have as little as the spider but I still feel that perhaps my new place in Utah can be my jeweled necklace. At least for now ...
~ ~ barbara
What a jewel of a refection, here, Barbara and a jewel of a photo. It is an interesting process, to detach from material objects...Best of luck to you & good wishes!
ReplyDeleteRita -- It was interesting to me that I found my web photo just when I was feeling the most overwhelmed from packing. The photo made me rethink what was important to bring along to Utah. Agree that detaching from "things" is a valuable process -- thanks ~~ barbara
DeleteGoosebumps! I love it when folks figure out how many things can go and how to truly lighten the load. Love your photo and observations. Wonderful.
ReplyDeleteTeresa -- One time I observed a hornet pulling a very large dead spider up the wall of my house. He struggled and struggled but really never made it to his destination. Perhaps this is how we sometimes are -- attempting to keep too large of a load. thanks ~~ barbara
DeleteVery nice and I like your header picture!! My move is over for the most part. I still have too much "stuff" and have room left. Things survived this time but next time no way. There was quite a few pretty nice things that are gone. The smaller trailer is an excellent idea
ReplyDeleteOne Fly -- thanks for the comment on my header. I envy that you are finished with your move. Interesting note in your comment that some things survived. Getting a smaller U-Haul will force me to take less. Hope you are now having a chance to relax and enjoy your new place. ~~ barbara
DeleteA beautiful photograph -- jewels, indeed.
ReplyDeleteTaking life lessons from nature sounds like mature wisdom. There is so much we do not need, but that only becomes apparent, I think, after we've had more than we need.
June -- Moving is stressful and being able to step outside and observe nature lessens this feeling. One thing is certain I will miss this wilderness patch when I leave -- thanks for the comment ~~ barbara
DeleteYou have a wonderful way of thinking.
ReplyDeleteMichelle -- thanks for the kind comment, Life has a way of handing us an open book to write upon. ~~ barbara
DeleteYou've been in my thoughts and I have wondered how your move was progressing. I didn't realize what a long distance move you were making. You'll have a whole new world to explore, photograph, and write about!
ReplyDeleteFlorence -- About 2000 miles to my destination. Along with my 95 pound dog -- should provide some entertainment. At my age life is better in the slow lane -- that is where I will be as I travel across. thanks for the comment ~~ barbara
DeleteLess is more as they say. I always pack too much when I'm travelling. But don't forget that photo of the jewellery.
ReplyDeleteRuneE -- Like that quote -- "Less is more." I think I will write it out in large letters and tack it on my mirror in my bathroom. Surely it will remind me everyday until I leave to take less. thanks ~~ barbara
DeleteYou have such an eye for colour, beauty, Barbara. Brought back memories of a small poetry book given to me when eight years olds. Each alternative page a poem and opposite a photograph, one of a spider's web covered with dew. Can see it in my mind now, even though, sadly, the book long gone.
ReplyDeleteCarole Anne -- Our memories are placed securely in our mind -- a book from long ago is now gone yet not really. It is in our mind's archives to be plucked and savored at will. All the more reason to use RuneE's quote above -- less is more. thanks ~~ barbara
DeleteOh! I just love that photo. What an artist eye you have!
ReplyDeleteDiane -- thanks for the nice comment. hope you are having a great summer
Delete~~ barbara
I think you've got the right approach to it all. And I look forward to learning more about Utah. I've never been there but know it has a special beauty in its own way....:)
ReplyDeletetroutbirder -- I am sure it will be a land of discovery for me. Surely different than Kentucky. I don't think that the states are one homogeneous region -- my feeling is that there are many different cultures alive and well in our country. It does have beauty that is breath taking. thanks `` barbara
DeleteI can't wait for you to begin your move and get settled in. Looking forward to some great photos!
ReplyDeleteDiane -- I did a little research on the canyon where I will be living and found out it is registered as a historic canyon. This has me wondering what this is all about. All places have some mystery to them don't you think? thanks ~~ barbara
DeleteYou are so wise. I could go for a minimalist way of living.
ReplyDeleteHattie -- As I recently heard on a Terry Gross NPR interview with a famous composer who said, "let go of the chaos." Believe this idea not only helps with our mental state but with the state of the world. The composer felt that stuff is chaos. thanks ~~ barbara
DeleteBeautiful photo --and what a lesson! I admire you.
ReplyDeleteVicki -- Life is beautiful in so many ways don't you think. Many of the ways we take for granted. thanks ~~ barbara
Deletewow! what a beautiful post! just simply beautiful, we could all do with a little less... thanks for pointing that out, I hope the move went well.
ReplyDeleteSublime Birdy -- We are constantly exposed to consumerism. It is interesting to ourselves when we sit down and examine the reasons why we are ~~ barbara
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